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Introduction

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Presidents and prime ministers, kings and queens, dictators, generals, philosophers, theologians, and social activists—all have helped to shape the world. The links below highlight some notable world leaders throughout history. These leaders have controlled countries and empires, waged wars, introduced ideas that have changed the way people live, created and spread religions, or fought for the basic rights of human beings. The first section below concerns prominent political leaders—heads of state and heads of government. The second section is a list of military leaders. The third section covers intellectual, religious, and social leaders, including philosophers, political philosophers, religious leaders, and human rights activists.

Political Leaders

This list of political leaders includes some of the most influential people in human history. The dates of their reign or their term in office are listed in parentheses after their name. For more information about leaders of a particular country, see the article on that country. Many more biographies of leaders are available than are highlighted here.

Spain

United Kingdom

kings and queens

The following is only a partial list of British monarchs; for a complete list see the table “England’s kings and queens.” The first monarchs on the list below ruled England only. With James I the British monarch became the ruler of England and of Scotland. Ireland came under the control of Great Britain in 1801.

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